Electrochemically Mediated Synthesis of Porous Copper(II) Coordination Cages via Anodic Dissolution

We present a novel, rapid, and scalable approach for synthesizing functionalized Cu(II) porous coordination cages via anodic dissolution, an electrochemical technique commonly applied in metal–organic framework (MOF) synthesis. This approach yields paddlewheel-based cages in solution within minutes at room temperature, as confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy. Comprehensive characterization using gas adsorption, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and SEM reveals that these cages are indistinguishable from those obtained through conventional solvothermal or hydrothermal methods. This electrochemically mediated strategy enables efficient production of soluble molecular materials with phase purity and reduced energy costs. We anticipate that this methodology will significantly expand the accessibility and applicability of novel porous molecular materials, offering an effective alternative to traditional synthesis methods that require longer reaction times and elevated temperatures.